STRICTER CONTROL

Evening Star, Issue 25173, 12 May 1944, Page 6

STRICTER CONTROL

NIGHT CLUBS AND OTHER RESORTS EMERGENCY REGULATIONS ISSUED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, May 11. ■ Designed to meet complaints which have •"arisen regarding the conduct of some places of entertainment, emergency regulations which were gazetted to-night give the Commissioner of Police power to close premises where persons are allowed to possess alcoholic liquor, or where drunkenness, disorderly conduct, or any enertainment of a, demoralising character takes place. Premises mav also be closed if convicted or vermted thieves or prostitutes or their associates are Dermitted to be on the premises, or if any person taking part in the control or management lias been convicted of an offence under section 195 of the Licensing Act, or is a reputed thief or prostitute or an associate of such persons. A place of entertainment means any premises where persons are permitted to be at anv lime for the purposes of eating, drinking dancing, or being entertained, and where payment is made for admission to or use of the premises, whether payment is demanded as'a charge or made voluntarily. Provision is made in the regulations for the right of appeal against the closing' of premises, and also for police entry to places of entertainment. Where.a place of entertainment is closed it shall be an offcence for anyone to take part in the management or control of the premises, or for anyone to go there for the purpose of eating, drinking, dancing, or being entertained. The penalties'for an offence against the regulations are, on summary conviction in the case of an i individual, imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or a fine not exceeding £2OO, plus £lO for every day during which the offence continues, or 'both imprisonment and a fine. In the case of a body corporate the fine shall not exceed £SOO, plus £SO for every day. that the offence continues.